What Was the Largest Wrongful Termination Payout in United States History?

Anytime you lose your job, it’s incredibly challenging. But when it happens for illegal reasons, it’s even tougher to understand. With that said, there’s laws in place to protect you—with the main protection being the ability to file a lawsuit for “wrongful termination.” This happens nationwide, but if you’re going through it in California or Washington, our team at Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers can help. Set up a free consultation today.

What Was the Largest Wrongful Termination Payout in United States History?

The largest wrongful termination payout in the history of the United States happened in Los Angeles County in 2022. Two former employees of Southern California Edison (SCE) brought two separate lawsuits for discrimination and retaliation, but a jury awarded them a grand total of $464.5 million—$24.6 million in damages and $440 million in “punitive” damages.

This is obviously an incredible result for those employees, but the harsh reality is that most wrongful termination cases—and employment law cases in general—settle for much lower amounts. Which brings up a good question: how can I make my wrongful termination claim stronger?

What Do I Need For a Strong Wrongful Termination Claim?

Every wrongful termination claim is different–even though it happens for the same basic reason. Basically, it’s about showing:

• You were protected because of who you are or something you did.
• Your employer fired you because of that.

At this point, you can pretty easily see why this can be difficult. Your employer isn’t going to just admit that they fired you because of your age, gender, sex, or because you raised concerns about the work environment. But that’s exactly what you need for a strong claim. And normally, you can do that by putting together the following pieces:

• Emails or text messages that show you raising concerns, asking for leave, or noticing a sudden shift in how you were treated
• Written complaints or reports you submitted to HR or management
• Work schedules showing your hours being cut or changed after an issue came up
• Paystubs that reflect a drop in pay or lost benefits
• Changes in your job duties that feel more like punishment than business needs
• Your termination letter or exit paperwork, especially if the reason given doesn’t match what actually happened

Even things that feel routine can help show a pattern. Often, it’s the timing—what happened right after you spoke up—that tells the real story. Then, it’s about actually taking steps to hold your employer accountable.

How Can I Hold My Employer Accountable For Wrongful Termination?

The heart of any wrongful termination claim—big or small—is built around showing that you were punished for speaking up about mistreatment in your workplace. This is true no matter where you work, but at least in terms of Washington or California, you have a number of options at your disposal to hold your employer accountable. This usually means:

• Filing an administrative claim. In California, wrongful termination issues are handled by the state’s Civil Rights Department (CRD). In Washington, you go through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Both are government agencies that are responsible for investigating labor violations and then issuing fines or other punishments to employers. Crucially, though, these are administrative bodies, so they don’t have full power.
• Filing a lawsuit. A wrongful termination claim is usually best approached with a lawsuit in civil court. This is where you file a Complaint against your employer, and a judge and jury make a decision on what actually happened. The goal, as with any other lawsuit, is to get “damages.” In a wrongful termination lawsuit, that might involve:
  • Lost income or benefits
  • Back pay
  • Liquidated damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Attorneys fees
  • Punitive damages

That’s what makes up a payout in a verdict or settlement, so it’s going to be specific to your losses and what you can show in terms of evidence. Basically, it all comes together to tell the story of what really happened to you—not what your employer says. But again, facing your employer in a claim takes courage, and that’s why our team will be there from the beginning to help you.

Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers Can Help You Fight Back Against Wrongful Termination

Losing your job can shake your sense of stability fast. One day everything feels normal, and the next you’re left wondering what went wrong and what you’re supposed to do next. That kind of stress isn’t just financial—it’s personal.

At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we help people through wrongful termination claims every day. We know how overwhelming this process can feel, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step. From explaining your rights to handling conversations with your employer and building a strong claim, we focus on making the process clearer, calmer, and more manageable. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you fight back.